Edison Students Take Part in HealthRHYTHMS

Provided photo Edison students in Gail Ahmed’s music appreciation class gather in a drum circle to participate in HealthRHYTHMS. Drumming Circle

PIQUA — Students in Gail Ahmed’s Music Appreciation class at Edison State Community College learned about the health benefits associated with drumming during a special HeathRHYTHMS® course.

HealthRHYTHMS was developed after leading neurologist and mind-body researcher Dr. Barry Bittman, MD led a renowned research team in the first biological study on the effects of group drumming in 2000. The protocol developed from this medical research showed the health benefits of drumming with a group, including stress reduction, mood improvement and a boost to the immune system.

Facilitated by Darlene Francis, RN, BSN, students were introduced to the mind, body, spirit, and community aspects of drumming as well as psychoneuroimmunology, rhythmacology, homeostasis, and beat induction. Students also discussed in detail how these methods could be applied to real-life settings and the theory of beat induction being a trait unique to humans.

“The students find this session to be very informative,” said Gail Ahmed, instructor of music. “They enjoy taking part in a hands-on activity, as well as gaining a different perspective and appreciation for what music has to offer.”

Following discussion, students gathered in a circle and the ten-step protocol of the program was introduced. The protocols included an introduction, wellness exercise, ice breaker, ABC’s of drumming, rhythmic naming, entertainment building, inspirational beats, guided imagery drumming, wellness exercise and the finale, which required the group play a variety of percussion instruments.

“We are very fortunate to have the opportunity to bring this awareness to the students,” added Ahmed.

HealthRHYTHMS has been proven to help strengthen the immune system, improve mood states and reduce burnout, reduce student drop-out rates, reduce stress on the genomic levels, strengthen the immune system of corporate employees, inspire creativity and bonding in long-term care residents, and serve as a catalyst for quality of life improvement in adolescents.

Provided photo Edison students in Gail Ahmed’s music appreciation class gather in a drum circle to participate in HealthRHYTHMS. Drumming Circle

http://dailycall.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/web1_DrummingCircle.jpgProvided photo Edison students in Gail Ahmed’s music appreciation class gather in a drum circle to participate in HealthRHYTHMS. Drumming Circle